Methodology changes

Methodology changes to Retail Trade Survey outlines new methodology for the Retail Trade Survey, and indicates key differences in the new time series. It includes the new regional breakdowns (moving from publishing 6 regions to 16), which will be available in the September 2017 quarter released 23 November 2017.

The new time series is based on a new design so it is expected that the levels will be different. We have created a provisional backseries for the new design. Limited provisional data is available in the paper and the full provisional time series will be released on Friday 3 November 2017.

Supermarket adjustment

Due to a change in the supermarket methodology there will be a noticeable change in the supermarket industry. The new redeveloped series will have better coverage.

The new time series has been backcast to reflect the new methods. As a result, there is an upward revision in movements and levels for supermarkets.